Three, Two, One... Date! [OPEN]

[Rowena Jones]

It had already been an emotional rollercoaster of a day. But now the part she’d been dreading. Mungos had tried to do a Date Auction last year but Matron Helsmere had still worked at the hospital and shot it down. Now that she’d retired, the remainder of the Board had cheered the idea through. They had a number of eligible attractive employees and it would be a good easy way for them to raise money. It would be lots of fun, they’d said, oblivious to Rowena’s stony face. Unfortunately, Head of Department that she was, she was not a board member so her stony face ultimately meant nothing and she’d had to go along with whatever nefarious plan they had concocted.

The parchment had appeared in the staff room last month, loudly asking for nominations and volunteers. Nominations required at least five people to request the same person and until last week, no one had dared put Rowena Covington’s name on that awful list. She’d been content that she had managed to avoid the hell that it would be to be bet upon and then required to go on a date with whoever ‘won’ her.

That had all changed on Tuesday afternoon when she had been horrified to see her name clearly marked with not five votes but eleven. She had sworn loudly and glared at the other staff members in the room who had all suddenly had something to do and had scurried away. Bloody brilliant. Her good mood had not improved when Cutter had leered at her that afternoon and made some crude comment about the lift. As if she was ever going in one of those death traps again.

Emergencies throughout the week had kept her busy and she’d almost forgotten about the whole affair until she’d received that bloody note the day before. The PS requesting her to dress up and look pretty for the Auction had almost made her want to wear pyjamas and tell them to fuck off, but damnit she loved her job and she was too proud to not do her best in anything she did. So here she was, after an eventful day, wearing a deep blue lace dress, waiting for the torture to begin, amber eyes glancing around the room.

[Max Kameren]

Would this day never end? Max resigned himself that it wouldn’t as he ducked into the hospital’s atrium once more; it had now been changed to a formal ballroom for the fundraiser, complete with bars and a dance floor. Max would be partaking heavily in the former, and not at all in the latter.

Once the numbing potion from that morning wore off, everything hurt. His head, from the auras of the benefit running through his mind like a roaring river; his knees, from being levitated nine stories and roughly dropped on the rooftop; his shoulder, still from the previous week’s lift crash that got this whole scenario rolling in the first place. Max wanted to be home, not here wearing his only (muggle) suit in a crowd of wizards in dress robes. He pulled at the neck of the shirt uncomfortably; he didn’t even have a tie. It had been so long since he’d worn his suit that he’d lost it. But he was needed here, so here he was.

Max leaned on the bar furthest from the entrance, nursing a firewhiskey. He kept his head down so as not to attract the attention of any of his coworkers; with what he was about to do tonight, he didn’t need to put more fuel on the gossip fire running rampant through the hospital. His emerald eyes zoned into the ticking second hand of his watch.

In a short time, the auction would begin. Max would calmly, resolutely out-bid Cutter for a date with Rowena Covington. His coworkers would let him with minimal difficulty. Eden wouldn’t step in and make a scene. This would all go away very soon.

He took a generous sip of his drink. Who was he kidding?

[Alecsander]

He adjusted his collar, then picked up the tail coat and shrugged into it, the fit just the right kind of snug. It showed the breadth of his shoulders but they did not strain the fabric as if it were too small. The dark green wool swooped down and cut back, the edges decorated in heavy silver embroidery, hidden among the swirls a snake lurked, bright green eyes watchful. One final tug of his black vest and adjustment of his sleeves, and he was ready. He had to smile sardonically at himself in the mirror. He looked like a pureblood. He thought of the fight it would have taken to get him to wear this 20 years ago. The past sure had come back to him a lot these past few weeks.

Thoughts of what had been, and what could have happened. He wondered what would have happened if he or Kris had been caught in the Flux. What if the Flux hadn't happened at all? Alex shook his head, shaking away the thoughts of yesteryear. It was time to go. He turned on the heel of one boot and popped into existence in the Hall of St Mungo's.

The Atrium had been transformed, and now candles floated above, bars lined the floor with tables clustered near them. But the largest space was the dancefloor, with the band just off to the side, and a curious platform at the back, draped in fabric, the back of the stage disappeared behind a curtain. He looked around, striding towards the closest bar, currently unoccupied except for a single house elf bartender.

[Elle Callahan]

Elle Callhan was running late. She'd gotten into a duel with a catacomb shower that kept turning off the second she step under the spray only to miraculously work when she stepped out to fix it. She managed to get filthy while covering those patients too sick to participate. Being the newest healer she'd been on duty during the first half of the fundraiser. It was pretty quiet out on the floor, with only those seriously ill being there. Elle hadn't mind. She was quickly becoming a fixture at St. Mungos. Mostly because she was terrified of going back to her little box of a apartment. She'd brought her evening clothes with her so she didn't have to tempt fate with magical transportation. Actually, since moving to her own apartment, she rarely left the hospital unless she absolutely had to. She didn't want to get stuck in a Flux again and find herself even farther in the future or go the opposite direction and end up in a time where she knew no one. The thought of even apperating caused chills to run down her spine. Elle was still coming to terms with the fact that everyone she knew was 17 years older. She had hidden on Alex's estate the first few days after she returned, mourning the loss of her life. Then she stood up, coffee in hand, big girl panties pulled up, a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face, ready to deal with the bullshit in her life. She met with the ministry of magic official to start the paperwork to declare herself undead. She wrote a letter to her father requesting any belongings of hers that he had. Then she decided to stop by St. Mungos and beg a job. She had gotten lucky on the job front. A general healer in spell damage was going on maternity leave early all Elle had to do was prove that her little "trip" had not damaged her knowledge. She was a bit behind in the new advances but she was a quick study.

Elle had been looking for a distraction when Milton mentioned the St. Mungo's fundraiser. She would have attended even if it hadn't been mandatory, she was that desperate to start living again. She practically begged Alex to go to the Gala with her. She didn't think he would be able to handle the carnival aspect of it and Elle was doing rounds for most of it. She was surprised that it hadn't required a bribe to get Alex to go with her. A bit of nagging and puppy dog eyes and he agreed. She told him it was fancy dress but she hadn't thought he'd actually wear tails. Elle had stopped dead in the middle of the room when she noticed Alex at the bar. For a second she hadn't realized it was him. She'd been admiring the well toned arse that was highlighted by tails when he turned, drink in hand. Alex Kameren was dressed to the nines. He almost looked like he was born to wear those clothes. Elle's heart sped up at the sight of him in the very tailored dark green. Merlin's pants he was good looking. Elle had to remind herself that he was her friend. That she needed to get to know him again. He had lived 17 years without her, had grown up. The old Alex wouldn't have been caught dead in such a elegant outfit. Who bought it for him? It wasn't something she thought he'd willingly pick out for himself. Elle mumbled an apology when she realized she was in people's way. She quickly walked towards Alex. Elle was nervous. She hadn't exactly told Alex that the main entertainment for the evening was a flesh auction. She highly doubted he would have come if she had told him. Elle had been surprised when she saw her name had been on the list. Only a handful of healers remembered who she was. She suspected it was Milton trying to get her out in the world, make new friends find someone else to love. Elle smoothed out her bright kelly green dress. It reminded her of the color of the Irish hillsides in spring. She had found it in a second hand shop in Diagon Alley. The just below knee length flattered her small frame. She liked that it was poufy because of the tool and it fanned out when she twirled. A tiny part in her hoped Alex would twirl her on the dance floor.

She smiled at Alex, her eyes sparkling with mischief, when she approached him. "Bartender, another drink for this gentleman on me," She said to the barkeep who had come up to them when she had approached. She turned towards, Alex a smile on her face. "Part of me didn't think you'd make it," She said with a laugh, "thank you for coming."

dress

[Rowena Jones]

Where was… anyone really? After the madness earlier that day, Rowena had escaped to hide in her office and quickly check on her patients. She’d gotten ready at work and now she was standing in the Atrium, wanting to be anywhere else, but as the fluttering in her stomach reminded her, also wanting to see more of Max. The day had been a flip flop of emotions, revelations, and all round confusion but he’d said he would be here. Had all but promised to save her from the nightmare that would be a date with Cutter. So where was he? She hoped he was ok after what had happened earlier that day. Still didn't really think he should be coming but also so very glad he wanted to.

The young healer saw Elle moving through the crowds and was about to leave the safety of the shadows to greet the other woman when she noted she was heading towards a man by the bar. Elle had impressed Rowena with her determination to work hard after discovering she’d been ‘dead’ for 17 years. The Flux still puzzled Rowena. She’d met a few of its victims since their return but she had been so young when it had happened that she’d gone through most of her life without thinking about it. Working with someone who had lived through it had been interesting to say the least but Rowena enjoyed having another woman on her staff. Most of the Heads at Mungos were men and sometimes, it got a bit tiring dealing with all the masculinity.

Rowena wondered who the man Elle was greeting was and debated joining them if only to distract herself from thinking about the torture to come but her amber gaze had finally spotted the one person she really wanted here. She debated whether it was a good idea to go over. They really didn’t want to fuel the rumours going around about them but after the day’s events and with what was going to happen, well, it was going to be a fun week (or month) at work anyway. She might as well get a drink and Max had an odd way of making her relax before the show started.

She grinned as she approached him. “Don’t drink too much or you won’t be conscious enough to get a date with me later,” she teased, ordering her own drink and glancing at the Potions Master. “You clean up nicely Kameren.” She wouldn't bring up earlier. It had been a lot. She was much happier to be back to their usual teasing and now she got to appreciate how damn good he looked.

[Max Kameren]

“Don’t drink too much or you won’t be conscious enough to get a date with me later.”

“Don’t you think we shouldn - “ Max turned with to greet Rowena and was suddenly dumbstruck. He consciously tried to keep his eyes on hers, but it was hard not to stare at her in that dress. He took a step back, as if trying to escape the magnetic pull of Rowena’s aura. “Wow.”

“You clean up nicely Kameren.”

“Speak for yourself!” he exclaimed, reaching into his pocket and putting down a few sickles for his and Rowena’s drinks when the elf brought her drink back. He grinned down at her before turning from the bar to look at the crowd. Best not to stare. “With that dress, I’d almost say you’re looking excited for the auction.” He shook his head and took another sip of his drink, trying to deny the part of him that was excited. He was getting carried away with himself, he knew. Somehow, this had turned from hatred into a crush nearly overnight.

Max nearly choked on his drink when his eyes fell on the tall figure of his uncle at the other bar. Alex went full pureblood for this benefit, embroidered Kameren crests and all. He smirked, leaning down to speak to Rowena more closely. “That man Elle’s talking to? That’s my uncle, and technically they’re the same age. It's crazy, this Flux return.” It was weird, seeing the returned interact with their aged loved ones. Max had been young, but he remembered Alex and Elle dating, and how much he was affected by the disappearances. He was about to push himself off the bar to go say hello, when Max was stopped by a familiar greasy-haired figure.

“Saying your goodbyes before parting, lovebirds?” Cutter’s sneer was already reeking of alcohol when he stumbled into Max’s path. He leaned in too close to Rowena, whispering in her ear loud enough that Max could hear, too. “How much more d’you think Mungo’s pays me than your boyfriend? I can outbid easy.” He threw his head back and laughed, putting his hand on Rowena’s shoulder for support.

ooc: I guess I too will join the picture brigade here's Max underdressed hooray

[Alecsander]

 "Bartender, another drink for this gentleman on me," She said to the barkeep who had come up to them when she had approached. She turned towards, Alex a smile on her face. "Part of me didn't think you'd make it," She said with a laugh, "thank you for coming."

Alex had turned, leaning casually on the bar and looking over the crowd. He quickly spotted Elle making her way toward him, looking beautiful in a green cocktail dress. The auror placed the drink on the bar, dipping in a slight bow to Elle. "You look amazing," He smiled down at her. "How could I turn down your invitation?" Alex looked out at the crowd, slowly increasing, people greeting friends and meeting new ones. His stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn't eaten since morning.

"How are you feeling?"


[[Joining the picture crew... Alex looks something like this
  ]]

[Rowena Jones]

“Speak for yourself! With that dress, I’d almost say you’re looking excited for the auction.”

Rowena grinned teasingly at Max as a flush of pleasure made its way through her. “They said to dress up nice and you should know by now I don’t do anything halfway, but I didn’t wear this for the auction.” She said with a wink. Apparently, tonight was throw all caution to the wind night and she was discovering a flirty side she hadn’t known she’d possessed. Bloody hell, she’d had one drink and now she was all but ready to sabotage their beginnings of friendship for the sake of a kiss. Maybe he hadn’t caught the hint… and he could have mistaken the wink for a blink or perhaps a squint.

Or even better, he could have been distracted by the man by Elle. Thank goodness for small mercies, she thought as she tried to get a better reign on her emotions. Max getting closer to her was not helping matters but she managed to focus enough to hear what Max was telling her.

“That man Elle’s talking to? That’s my uncle, and technically they’re the same age. It's crazy, this Flux return.”

“Oh, that’s… Alex right? She mentioned him in passing once. That must be so odd for them both. Do you want to go over to say hi?”

But of course, before they could go anywhere, the newest bane of her existence appeared. Ever since he’d heard of Max and her being found in the lifts together, Cutter had been pursuing Rowena with renewed vigour and she’d just about reached the end of her rope about it.

“How much more d’you think Mungo’s pays me than your boyfriend? I can outbid easy.”

“For fuck’s sake Cutter,” she snapped shrugging off his hand. “He’s not my boyfriend so can you please stop acting like you’re breaking up some magical romance! One day, your ability to be an utter prick will far outweigh your talent and then we’ll see how much money you make.” It was just their luck that for some unknown reason, Cutter had a remarkable talent when it came to Emergency Medicine. Rowena knew it was the only reason he still had a job but one day, he really would go too far and then they’d see who was laughing.

“Ha, you’ll be whistling a different tune after I show you a good time on our date babe,” he said with a lecherous wink before stumbling off.

Rowena let out a groan of anger. How did he always get the last word?! She turned to Max pulling out a small sack from her purse. “There’s enough galleons in here to make sure he doesn’t win. Please Max, whatever happens, don’t let him win.”

[Elle Callahan]

Elle Callahan was determined to just be Alex’s friend. To get to know him again. He’d already done so much for her. Sometimes thought it was hard to remember that 17 years had past. Well unless she looked at him. Alex Kameren was very dashing in his formal ware. He looked like a prince out of a muggle fairy tale with his tailored coat showing off his well toned body. He had more muscles than he had before. She noticed the long tails and was a little disappointed that he’d covered his very fine booty. Elle pushed away that train of thought, reminding herself to behave. He was her friend not lover. Then he did something that her Alex wouldn’t have done. The slight bow had an eye brow shooting up in surprise. What was he doing? The first thought was that he’d been hit by a spell she hadn’t seen or a wound from an earlier injury was paining him. But no. He quickly, even gracefully straightened with a charming, smile on his face. She was dazzled by that smile and all she could do was stare up at his full lips.

"You look amazing," He smiled down at her. "How could I turn down your invitation?"
“Easily,” She said with a grin. The Alex she remembered had always been uncomfortable in such situations. He wasn’t the small talk type. Or was he and she just didn’t know him that well? This confidence at a formal event was another reminder that he was not who she remembered. That she shouldn’t confuse the past with the present. That she needed to take things slow and not act like they were starting things where they had left off. 17 years was a big age difference. He was in the middle of his career and here she was starting over at 25 and back at St. Mungos as a temp.

"How are you feeling?"
“Nervous. I fell like my heart is going to burst out of my chest and spray everyone with blood,” She said before asking the bar tender for a glass of wine. Elle turned back to Alex with a sheepish smile and a shrug of her shoulders.
“For once it’s me who doesn’t feel like they belong. People who were my collegues and friends are now department heads or retired. Children I healed are now parents. See that lovely woman glowing with happiness as she cradles her belly. I remember as eleven. Just last month I was pulling peppermint mice out of her hair.” She said with a sigh taking a big drink out of her glass.

“Sorry. This is a party. A new opportunity to make friends. How are you feeling?” Elle asked, leaning forward a bit to hear his response.

[Alecsander]

Alex answered Elle's grin with one of his own. She was lovely, how had he been so oblivious when he was younger? Looking back now it was obvious to see. It must have been very frustrating for her. But now that she was back, how did she feel? He didn't want to overwhelm her but he couldn't deny the way his heart would skip when he saw her. He'd had short relationships but they had never gotten far, and having her return felt like a second chance. But was it one that she wanted?

"Nervous. I fell like my heart is going to burst out of my chest and spray everyone with blood,”

That's an appealing visual." Alex said drily, though the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. he picked up his glass and turned toward the crowd, leaning on the bar beside her. He watched the crowd, spotting Max talking with some woman on the other side of the room.

"For once it’s me who doesn’t feel like they belong. People who were my colleagues and friends are now department heads or retired. Children I healed are now parents. See that lovely woman glowing with happiness as she cradles her belly. I remember as eleven. Just last month I was pulling peppermint mice out of her hair.” She said with a sigh taking a big drink out of her glass. “Sorry. This is a party. A new opportunity to make friends. How are you feeling?”

He bent down closer and whispered "Honestly? I'm starved. When's dinner?"

[Eden Fletcher]

The St. Mungo’s Charity event was an annual tradition for the Ashcroft family, being a generous donor to the hospital they typically had a table at every event. Eden had been required to attend as a teenager. As a member of the Ashcroft family it was her duty to attend, be polite and not make a scene. She’d grudging attended. It’s not that she didn’t like parties. She actually enjoyed dancing , she just didn’t like the obligations her family name put on such events. When her grandmother had died, a large part of the fortune had been put into trust for charity events. Eden, as one of the holders of the trust was required to donate a certain amount of money each year. A few charities were mandatory donations and the others she could choose. Now that her grandmother had passed, unless her presence was absolutely necessary Eden usually made a monetary donation. Max had asked her to attend and so Eden couldn’t refuse. She’d planned on being at the earlier events but an emergency had come up that demanded her attention. Apparently an old man running naked through the streets of France last month was her long lost grandfather who had disappeared in the Flux. The old man had come back deranged and didn’t know who or what he was. The French muggles had taken him for a loon and locked him up. It’d taken a few weeks to sort through the mess and Eden had been called in to identify the man who was claiming to be Emminton Ashcroft. Turns out the man was her grandfather. After a few weeks with the muggle’s he’d recovered enough to remember his name and how to contact a rep of the ministry in the muggle world.

Eden had been shocked to see her grandfather. Like other victims he was the same age. He’d been right pissed to see her since he’d summoned his wife. He didn’t believe Eden when she said that her grandmother had been dead for a few years. The man had ranted and raved and then gone blank. Apparently there was something wrong with his mind. He started shouting gibberish. After proving that the man was indeed her grandfather she arranged to have him released and transported back to England. Eden made sure he was safe in his mansion in Godrick’s Hallow with a house elf and her sister as company. She left the man lecturing her sister on how to properly decorate a house as Eden left to get changed to do her duty.

She’d gotten ready in her apartment. The gown she’d chosen for the event had cost a pretty pound. It was a lovely delicate dress made of silk with just a hint of lavender color. Ivroy dragon flies made of lace were stitched onto the fabric. She had gone with understated instead of something more colorful because she didn’t want to be too flashy since she wasn’t being auctioned off. She’d fell in love with the dress because of the train. It made her feel like a princess. The dress was saved from being boring by the neckline. The dress was a halter top that went all the way up to her neck, fastening with a wide diamond encrusted collar. She wore no other jewelry and had pulled up her hair in a simple bun.

The party was well underway when Eden had arrived. She lingered in the entrance, chatting with the many people she had met through her family connections. She was eager to find Max and make sure he was okay. He hated parties like this. He must have had a terrible day trying to block everyone out.
As Eden mingled she heard countless people talk about the exciting games. Apparently a few people had made a big splash. Eden had been surprised to hear how Max and Rowena Covington of all people had paired up. They didn’t win but they did put on a show. Apparently Max allowed Rowena to levitate him from the garden to the roof. It was a near escape. Apparently she’d lost control and he almost plummeted to the ground. He’d barely came out of it alive. How was Rowena still an employee? She was so reckless she would kill someone. It was only a matter of time.

Eden had moved away from the gossiping hoard. She had spotted Max at a bar. He was smiling and laughing. For a second she thought it wasn’t him. That was not the Max she knew at parties. She walked closer for a better look and realized it was Max. With Rowena. What in the bloody hell was going on? He must be drunk. Merlin’s balls. He must be really drunk to be that happy at an event. Or Merlin’s underpants he took a numbing potion. As Eden approached the slimy Cutter stopped to speak with Rowena and Max. She paused, a few feet away as the man practically drooled over Rowena’s cleavage. Eden might not like the girl but that didn’t mean she deserved Cutter. As Cutter stumbled off he nearly knocked Eden over.
“How does it feel to be replaced?” Cutter said with a sneer at Eden.
“I didn’t realize I was an object that needed replacing.” She said about to push past him when he grabbed her arm.
Cutter didn’t like to be dismissed. “Your lover is trying to steal my girl. Please reel him in.”
Eden laughed in his face. “Rowena Covington? Even if you were the last man on earth you wouldn’t be fit to clean her shit with your tongue. Even she doesn’t deserve the curse that is you.” She said pulling out of his grasp and heading straight towards the pair. Eden would have liked to approach Max with Rowena being present but she didn’t have a choice.

“That beast should be chained in a corner and taught better manners.” Eden said as she signaled the bartender for a drink.
“Sorry I’m late. A bit of a mid life crisis,” Eden said with a sigh. She smiled politely at Rowena. “Miss Covington I hear you were quite the daring spell caster today,” Eden said as a way of small talk. She tried not to sound bitchy. It was a challenge around Rowena. There was something about the witch that just made her inner bitch form claws. Even the way she breath irked Eden. It was a bit irrational. A lot of the crap that happened between them was from Hogwarts but it was hard to let go.

dress

[Max Kameren]

"For fuck’s sake Cutter,” as the room started to fill with people, Max's usual verbose ability to insult people was blocked. He supplemented by backing Rowena up with a threatening glare instead. “He’s not my boyfriend so can you please stop acting like you’re breaking up some magical romance! One day, your ability to be an utter prick will far outweigh your talent and then we’ll see how much money you make.”

“Ha, you’ll be whistling a different tune after I show you a good time on our date babe,” he said with a lecherous wink before stumbling off.

“There’s enough galleons in here to make sure he doesn’t win. Please Max, whatever happens, don’t let him win.”

"I won't let him win, I promised you." He met her eyes and gently took her hands, pushing the galleons back into her purse. Max didn't take money from people, ever. Not from the Ashcrofts, not from the Kameren Estate. It was a strong conviction both of his parents instilled in him that stuck. "But also, stop offering to pay. It's fine, I promise that too." His hands lingered on hers for just a moment, relishing in the buzzing electricity in the contact. But when he got a glimpse of the figure coming up behind Rowena's shoulders, he let go.

“That beast should be chained in a corner and taught better manners.” Eden said as she signaled the bartender for a drink.
“Sorry I’m late. A bit of a mid life crisis,” Eden said with a sigh. She smiled politely at Rowena.

"Evening, Eden." Max smiled at his friend a little nervously, glancing between the two women. Eden Fletcher and Rowena Covington were legendary enemies. They two were notorious among those who survived the Hogwarts Class of 2028 with them. In their seventh year, when they were at their worst and Max's father was Deputy Headmaster, Max had never seen him chainsmoke more vigorously. But now, they were all pushing thirty. This was a fundraising gala, not the Triwizard Ball. Surely they could be mature now.

“Miss Covington I hear you were quite the daring spell caster today,” Eden said as a way of small talk.

"Oh here we go," Max said under his breath, leaning into the bar and throwing back his drink.

[Rowena Jones]

"I won't let him win, I promised you. But also, stop offering to pay. It's fine, I promise that too."

Rowena smiled weakly up at him, realizing that she trusted him to keep his promise. He'd turned up after all even after the events of that afternoon. More importantly, she was realizing how much she was enjoying the feeling of his hands on hers. She was growing more and more convinced that perhaps it wasn’t such a one-sided thing between them. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying all at once. Nevertheless she couldn’t help but glare a little at the reason he had pulled away. Eden Fletcher.

Why the woman had to be so omnipresent in her life, Rowena had no idea but she always seemed to appear at the worst times. Though the young healer grudgingly admitted that time a couple of weeks previously in Muggle London hadn’t been completely unfortunate. Still anyone else would have done the job too and it had just happened to be her who had darkened the alleyway! And now Eden had just interrupted what could have been a moment between Max and her.

“Miss Covington I hear you were quite the daring spell caster today,”

She couldn’t help it. It was as if her very voice caused Rowena’s hackles to rise. She could hear the criticism in the words. She had no idea what Eden had heard about the events that day but there was no way that was a compliment.

“I wouldn’t say daring Miss Fletcher,” she bit out. If the other woman was going to fall back on formalities, Rowena would do the same, “it was just a simple matter of talent.” She smiled icily at Eden, daring her to say what she really thought. The young healer glanced at the time and scowled. Ten more minutes before hell started. Or maybe it already had, she thought looking at Eden.

“I'm going to go over there” she told Max, nodding towards Elle and Alex,and ignoring Eden, “Elle and I have to be backstage soon and she looks distracted enough she might just forget."

Rowena couldn't get away from Eden fast enough, though she was loathe to leave Max. She assumed they'd follow soon enough in any case. She smiled at Elle in greeting and nodded politely to Alex. "Rowena Covington, I work with Elle" she introduced herself. Well technically Elle worked for her but eh. "Max says you're his uncle?"

She turned to the other healer, "You ready for this?" she asked with a grimace.

[Elle Callahan]

He bent down closer and whispered "Honestly? I'm starved. When's dinner?"

The conspiratorial whisper had a laugh burst out of her, shaking her upper body and causing a little bit of the wine to slosh over the rim. She switched hands, grabbed a napkin from the bar, to wipe it off. She too was hungry and was about to suggest they go back to her locker where she had stashed a few candy bars and a bag of crisps. Vending machine prices were outrageous. Before she could ask Alex to leave with her new boss joined them.
"Rowena Covington, I work with Elle" she introduced herself. Well technically Elle worked for her but eh. "Max says you're his uncle?"

She turned to the other healer, "You ready for this?" she asked with a grimace.

Elle stared at Rowena with a puzzled glance. Ready for what? Then it hit her. The auction. She’d forgotten to tell Alex about that part.

“I almost forgot. I think there will be food in the next room during the auction. It’s a silly thing to raise money. Staff members are being auctioned off to the highest bidder for dates. Here’s your chance to finally have a date with me,” Elle said with a wink before finishing off her wine and setting it on the table. She was blushing an instantly regretting saying those words. That was something the old Elle would say. She’d have used this event to con Alex into going out on a real date and not just getting a bite to eat together.

“We should go,” Elle said grabbing Rowena’s arm, looping hers through the older witches and practically dragging her away to the next room where the stage was.

“Sorry for the mad dash I think I put my foot in my mouth and I just had to escape. You looked pretty chummy with Max. He’s a sweet kid. I can’t believe how tall he is. The last time I saw him he was the same height as me believe it or not.”

[Eden Fletcher]

Eden was trying to be on her best behavior. She had promised Max not to start a war in the middle of a gala. She noticed his nervous smile when he greeted her and she tried to give him a reassuring smile of her own.
“I wouldn’t say daring Miss Fletcher,” she bit out. If the other woman was going to fall back on formalities, Rowena would do the same, “it was just a simple matter of talent.”

“Reckless, might be a better word then. There is no question you are quite talented. Perhaps one of the most talented witches of your age. I truly mean that. But floating a man 11 stories into the air for a game? I believe that’s the definition of reckless.” Eden said as she ordered a bottle of champagne from the bartender and two glasses in case Max wanted some. Eden sipped at her glass staring at Rowena as she nodded towards Elle.


“I'm going to go over there” she told Max, nodding towards Elle and Alex,and ignoring Eden, “Elle and I have to be backstage soon and she looks distracted enough she might just forget."
Eden waived good bye before finishing off her glass of champagne. So little miss perfect was being auctioned off. The comment from Cutter suddenly made sense. The man was trying to buy her. Disgusting. Even Rowena didn’t deserve a date with that man. Eden should know, when she’d been foolish and young she’d gone on a date with him. She’d been 19 and dazzled by him. He wasn’t such a big prick as he was now but he was a creep. He had tried to do something she didn’t like and she’d left him with bruised balls and a black eye. She knew from rumors and complaints made to law enforcement that he was much worse now. If it seemed like he was winning anyone that night, including Rowena, she planned to out bid him. It would be a perfect way to make the donation.

“How are you holding up?” She asked Max searching his face for signs of his potions wearing off.